🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.